Written by OntarioPhil
We fans are facing several emotions all conflicting with one another at the moment.
Yes, the team performances have been Ok from a results perspective – we have earned points – but it has been such hard work! In recent years most of us have seen AFCB teams attack the opposition with abandon, score goals and work hard for each other.
Today we tend to see less speed, more ponderous build-up and fewer goals, and the same defensive errors we’ve seen for a decade now…I agree it is frustrating because the solution is so simple… defenders defend and attackers attack and midfielders do both! Yes, I played a long time ago – I know.
It is this age-old conflict about entertainment versus results I suggest.
Do we want the early Eddie years where free-flowing football generated many good results but the occasional unexpected defeat or the current approach which is more designed to avoid defeat but is less attractive to watch? I recall reading of the coach from the Brazilian national men’s team saying that he would rather win 10 – 9 than 1-0; well frankly that is the type of match I would prefer to see also. Our current manager/coach doesn’t subscribe to that it seems…
Many of us believe that we will achieve an automatic promotion position this season, but now project our current performances forward and see another Norwich-type EPL 2021-22 season – straight back down again next season because we don’t compete consistently. Yes, it is frustrating but think back to the 60’s, 70’s 80’s and so on when to get to Division Two was a huge goal in itself.
I have lived through all the eras since 1961 and frankly have enjoyed immensely the way we’ve overcome the various challenges. My thanks to our various owners along the way for their support.
I look forward to being in the EPL not because we will soon be a top-six team, but because it can help us fund our training facilities and in time a new stadium, if Brighton can do it then so can we guys!
The journey to that is to perhaps sacrifice an attractive playing flair and focus on staying there even if it is not attractive to watch but it gets us to our end goal – an improved club infrastructure!
Your say…
RobTrent said…
I just think we need to give our manager more time to see whether this build-up style of play will become more exciting.
Also, will he be wanted by other clubs should we go up? – Join the conversation, click here.
